SHE’S a Dubbo native, but Lilli-Rai Campbell has declared she’s now a Saint for life.
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On Saturday at Lithgow the talented teenager was part of the St Pat’s side which downed Lithgow Panthers 5-2 in the women’s Premier League Hockey decider.
And she held one of the most pressured-filled positions – goalkeeper.
Campbell tended goals in the first half for the Saints before swapping at half-time with Tracey Gunning. She then watched on nervously as the rest of the game unfolded.
“It was the hardest 35 minutes in my life. It could have been anyone’s game, even when we were up 5-1 I still thought it was anyone’s game,” she said.
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Before running onto the turf to embrace her team-mates, Campbell had impressed.
She made a string of good blocks for the Saints – cutting off crosses, sliding out to shut down a one-on-one, diving full length – as she gave everything to the team she joined in 2018.
It’s a team she plans to stick with.
“There were a few times there when I didn’t even know if I’d saved the ball or not,” she admitted.
“We lost composure a few times in the back there, but we regained it and save a few of their shots.
“I love it, I’m with St Pat’s for life now.
“They are a good bunch of girls, I just love it, I love playing here.”